He was still cursing under his breath when he swung his fist-only for Brooklyn to swoop in and grab his wrist, stopping him cold.

    Brooklyn''s face was stone. "You got a death wish?" she said, twisting Trayson''s wrist with a sharp snap.

    A crack echoed through the air.

    Trayson screamed, his face draining of color.

    Brooklyn didn''t even pause; she kicked him hard. He dropped to his knees, the slick floor sending him sliding forward until his forehead smacked the ground right in front of Allison.

    Brooklyn towered over him, eyes glinting with icy disdain.

    Seriously? She''d only gone to the bathroom for a couple of minutes. How had someone managed to pick a fight with her boss in that short time?

    "Should I break something or just finish him off?" Brooklyn asked coolly, ncing at Allison.

    Allison let out a helpless sigh. "Chill, Brooklyn. This is broad daylight in a civilized ce. Let''s just call the police, okay?"

    She wasn''t worried about that p she''d given Trayson. Back in the store, they''d been picking at her nonstop, but she''d ignored them—she was in a hurry. Who knew they''d get bolder, follow her out, and keep running their mouths? The guy even said something downright disgusting.

    Legally, this was straight-up harassment.

    Her p was totally justified.

    When the guy tried to hit back, Brooklyn stepped in-that was self-defense, in and simple.

    Even if the cops showed up, Allison wasn''t the least bit worried. The mall was covered in cameras, and the salesgirl had seen everything. No way this would be on her.

    Trayson managed to get up, still spitting out vile insults.

    A crowd started to gather. People always loved a bit of drama.

    Brooklyn, still looking ice-cold, called the police just like Allison asked.

    The officers showed up fast-less than ten minutes.

    With the clerk''s statement and all the security footage, it was obvious Trayson

    was the troublemaker. He got hauled away for causing a scene.

    Lottie hadn''t thrown a punch, but she''d started all the trash talk, so the police took her in too.

    By the time everything wrapped up, half an hour had flown by.

    Back at the boutique, Allison found Olivia waiting in the VIP lounge, looking like she''d been there forever.

    Olivia grinned. "Allie, you finally made it! What kind of dress takes you so long to pick out?"

    Allison dropped onto the sofa and handed over her shopping bag. "Here—it''s this one."

    Olivia

    Olled out the dress and held it

    it''s gorgeous! Did you try before you decided?"

    602dout the dress and

    belongs to Swit

    Allison shook her head. "Nope. Saw it, loved it, done."

    "Then why''d it take so long? Didn''t you get here before me?"

    "Ran into a little trouble. Some people tried to start something."

    Olivia''s smile faded. "What happened?"

    "It''s fine now. All taken care of."

    Olivia frowned. "Who were they?"

    "No idea. From their ent, probably from Spring Falls."

    Olivia looked genuinely worried. "You''re not hurt, right?" "Nope. Brooklyn was with me-they didn''t stand a chance." "Thank goodness."

    The salesgirl, remembering Allison''s

    love of tea, brought over a pot ofe

    West Lake green tea along with some fresh fruit and pastries.

    bet

    She also set down the handbag Allison had picked out. After a quick Allison nodded and asked her

    to have it wrapped up and set aside.

    In the quiet of the VIP lounge, Allison and Olivia settled in, chatting and enjoying

    the afternoon together.

    The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and

    continue reading tomorrow, everyone!